Facilitating health management of subjects

ABSTRACT

A peer system of subjects with health-related issues is formed based on an association of subjects and a particular type of electronic device or devices which provides information related to a specific health-related issue or issues obtained from particular subjects. By means of such associations, subjects can transmit to and receive messages from other subjects associated with the same type of electronic device. One way to associate subjects with health-related issues is through an association of a subject with a type or types of sensors. For example, each monitoring device may be associated with a subject, and the type or types of sensor or sensors may be associated with the subject and/or monitoring device. Devices, systems, methods and computer program products may be provided leveraging this association for various applications, e.g., management of the health care of subjects, peering among subjects with a common heath-related issue or issues, advertising, research and other applications involving such subjects.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 13/851,295, filed Mar.27, 2013, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/509,119,filed Jul. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,423,378, which claims thebenefit of and priority to provisional Application No. 61/083,268, filedJul. 24, 2008. This application also claims the benefit of and priorityto provisional Application No. 61/083,268. The entire disclosures ofapplication Ser. Nos. 13/851,295, 12/509,119 and 61/083,268 areincorporated herein by reference.

Some of the subject matter disclosed herein is disclosed in applicationSer. No. 10/892,520 filed Jul. 15, 2004; Ser. No. 10/913,140 filed Aug.6, 2004; Ser. No. 10/963,205 filed Oct. 11, 2004; Ser. No. 11/108,355filed Apr. 18, 2005; and Ser. No. 11/356,739 filed on Feb. 16, 2006(each “a cited application” and collectively “the cited applications”).The disclosures of all of these applications are incorporated herein byreference except for subject matter that is substantively incompatiblewith the disclosure of this application. In addition, terms may be useddifferently herein, or encompass different things as used herein, thanin the cited applications, and this application should not be used tointerpret terms in the cited applications which stand on their own.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein generally relates to facilitating healthmanagement of subjects. In various embodiments, subjects are associatedwith an electronic device which provides health-related information withrespect to the respective subject, and the electronic device cancommunicate with one or more other electronic devices peered based onhealth-related information. In various embodiments, an electronic devicecan receive messages originated by other electronic devices and/orsources other than an electronic device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The ability to communicate with subjects known to be associated in someway with a specific health-related issue or issues can provideunprecedented opportunities, e.g., for health management, peering,advertising, research, motivation, competition, education and otherapplications. Embodiments of the invention generally provide devices,systems, methods and computer program products (computer readablemedium) leveraging this association for various such and otherapplications.

Various embodiments of the invention provide for association of subjectsand health-related information, e.g., via a particular type ofelectronic device(s) or sensor(s) which provide health-relatedinformation with respect to a respective subject and/or a characteristicor characteristics of health-related information and/or otherinformation such as information relating to the subject.

Aspects of the invention include one or more of the following: obtaininghealth-related information from subjects through use of electronicdevices and in other ways; storing the health-related information andother information, e.g., in one or more databases; providing orotherwise making available at least some of the health-related and otherinformation to subjects and other parties; messaging over a networkbetween and among selected subjects using the electronic devices basedon health-related information; a messaging system including theelectronic devices; and communication over the network of thehealth-related and other information from, to and/or between theelectronic devices associated with subjects.

In various embodiments, one or more electronic devices are associatedwith a subject. Each electronic device has identifying informationassociated therewith and each electronic device is associated at leastone sensor which provides to the electronic device health-relatedinformation relating to the respective subject. A plurality of firstelectronic devices have associated therewith a first type of sensor anda plurality of second electronic devices have associated therewith asecond type of sensor different from the first sensor type. In variousembodiments, a relationship is provided of identifying information andsensor type for each of the plurality of electronic devices. Messagesare routed over a network at least to and from electronic devices basedon one or more of the stored relationships.

Messaging can include one or more of the following and other activities:composing a message on an electronic device, storing a message on anelectronic device and/or in a data storage device accessible by at leastone computer other than the electronic device; transmitting a messagefrom an electronic device; routing a message; receiving a message on anelectronic device; and displaying a message on an electronic device.“Message” is meant herein in a broad sense and, unless the contextindicates otherwise, encompasses text and/or graphics and/or audio.

“Health” and “health care” are meant in a broad sense, and encompasswell being, fitness, and other things even though such things may beenumerated separately from uses of “health” and “health care,” etc.“Health-related information,” is meant herein in a broad sense andunless the context indicates otherwise comprises information relating tohealth, well-being, fitness, disease, sickness, treatment, medicalcondition, diagnosis, etc., and includes medical information,physiological information, measurements, etc. Health-related informationincludes information related to: e.g., blood pressure; heart rate; bodytemperature; weight; EKG; EEG; glucose level (blood sugar); respiratorycapacity (e.g., PEAK flow); exercise, e.g., distance ran, walked,pedaled, on the ground or a on treadmill or on a bicycle or skates,etc., or steps climbed; substances and/or chemical presence or level(e.g., drugs, proteins, hormones, compounds, chemicals and things whichmay be found in a subject's body, blood, body fluids, etc.); levels ofremaining and/or usage of medicine and/or consumable items such asinsulin remaining in an insulin pump, bronchodilator medicine in anebulizer or glucose test strips, etc.; therapeutic effect; efficacy,compliance; tracking; etc. Health-related information may be in the formof measurement and test data, diagrams, evaluations, health records,charts, various scans, news, current events, alerts, messages,historical data, statistical data, and in other forms.

The term “subject” is used herein in a broad sense and unless thecontext indicates otherwise encompasses a patient or individual with ahealth-related issue. The invention has application to groups ofsubjects and/or to organizations relating to health care and/ormanagement, e.g., care groups, (e.g., managed care groups, HMOs, HIPSs,etc.), care provider groups (e.g., medical groups, medical offices,clinics, hospitals, fitness centers, nutritionists, weight managementcenters, etc.), fitness program providers, weight management programproviders, insurers, payors, health plans, etc. Care groups and/orprovider groups may provide for and/or arrange health care and/ormanagement for members by health care professionals such as doctors,where the group may be responsible for paying the health careprofessionals for the health care service and the group charges or ispaid on a per member basis. Such an arrangement may, for example,encourage groups to deliver the health care services at an aggregatedcost that is low compared to the aggregated amounts paid to the groups.For example, fees to be paid to professionals may be pre-agreed forgiven health care services, and equal or substantially equal fees may becharged to all or some members of the group.

Groups may be assembled based on suitable criteria. The invention alsohas application to groups of subjects and/or to organizations notrelating to health care and/or management, but which form groups ofsubjects on the basis of criteria disclosed herein. For example, anInternet service provider may assemble subjects with electronic devicesinto fitness or weight loss groups, etc.

In various embodiments, an electronic device, which provides at leastsome of the health-related information discussed herein is associatedwith a subject and can be operated by or on behalf of a subject, e.g.,by a service provider, health care provider, care giver, family member,etc. In various embodiments, such electronic devices may be sized to beeasily portable and carried by subjects, but need not be, and/or may beused in a any suitable place, e.g., a subject's home or work facility, aservice provider's facility, a health care provider's facility, a caregiver's facility, outdoors, fitness centers, and in other places. Invarious embodiments, health-related information may be provided by theelectronic device to at least one computer, e.g., of a service provider,or care group or care provider group or some other organization, etc.,over any suitable open or closed, public or private network, e.g., acommunications system, intranet, Internet, LAN, WAN, cellular telephonesystem, radio system, PSTS or POTs telephone systems, paging systems,satellite systems, etc. Such networks, groups and/or organizations,etc., may be subscription based or free, open or closed, private orpublic.

In various embodiments, electronic devices provide time informationalong with health-related information, e.g., the date and time of daythat health-related information was received by an electronic device. Invarious embodiments, electronic devices may also obtain or determineposition information, e.g., via GPS. Date, time, and/or positioninformation provide still more opportunities for messaging content andassociation, real time applications, and still more opportunities forleveraging the associations disclosed herein.

An electronic device operated by (or on behalf of) a subject useful forobtaining health-related information is referred to herein as a“monitoring device” for ease of reference and without intending to limitthe types of electronic devices that may be used. Such an electronicdevice may include portable and desktop devices, e.g., monitoringdevices as described, for example, in the cited applications, PDAs,laptop computers, cellular phones, desktop computers (e.g., PCs), etc. Amonitoring device used to obtain health-related information fromsubjects is meant in a broad sense and unless the context indicatesotherwise encompasses electronic devices operated by (or on behalf of) asubject which receive information from one or more types of sensors,whether of an intrusive or non-intrusive nature, or directly orindirectly, from a subject. Such monitoring devices can include a userinterface, e.g., an input device or devices such as a keypad, keyboard,touch screen, pointing device and/or voice recognition, etc., and adisplay device or devices such as an LCD, LED and/or plasma device, etc.The specific type of monitoring device is not critical, and any suitablemonitoring device, and any suitable communication protocol forcommunicating over the network may be used. An example of anon-intrusive direct sensor is a blood pressure cuff, and an example ofan indirect sensor is a glucose monitor which tests a blood sampleobtained, e.g., in an intrusive manner, e.g., by pricking a finger.

In various embodiments of the invention, membership of a subject in agroup or sub-group for messaging purposes is based on a common orsimilar heath-related issue or issues of all subjects in the particulargroup or sub-group, who each operate (or have operated for them) amonitoring device or devices. One way to associate subjects withhealth-related issues is through an association of a subject with a typeor types of sensors (which provide a type or types of health-relatedinformation). For example, each monitoring device may be identified,e.g., relatively or absolutely uniquely, and associated with a subject,e.g., a single subject, and associated with the type or types of sensoror sensors associated with the subject and/or monitoring device. Asensor type, or the type of information provided thereby, may be used toidentify or classify a health related issue.

Because of privacy and HIPAA requirements and concerns in certainapplications, participation in a messaging group can be made voluntary,and subjects would be provided with the opportunity to opt out of (oropt into) one or more peer messaging groups. In addition, the identityof participants may be maintained anonymous, either on a mandatory orvoluntary basis. One way to implement anonymity is by assigning orallowing participants to select, subject to uniqueness, device addressesfor messaging purposes that do not reveal the identity of theparticipant. For example, the Internet email address format may beadopted where the user name does not reveal the identity of theparticipant. The user name may, e.g., be a pseudo name, or any uniqueset of characters permitted by the naming convention.

However, in some applications HIPAA may not be applicable, such as in afitness program based on subjects performing physical exercise, such asrunning. However, even in such applications it may be desirable to atleast partially implement a HIPAA requirement or requirements.

According to some embodiments, monitoring devices provide messagesdestined for other monitoring devices so that subjects may communicatewith each other over a network using the monitoring devices. A messagemay be composed on a monitoring device, e.g., through use of its inputdevice. For example, a keypad or keyboard, or buttons, or touch orpointing device may be used to input and/or select text and/or graphicsstored or presented by the monitoring device. In accordance with someembodiments, only subjects sharing a common or related health-relatedissue are permitted to communicate with each other. One way to implementsuch embodiments is to associate subjects into a message group based on,e.g., monitoring device identifications and/or subject identifications,etc., that may be unique, either on a relative or absolute basis, e.g.,relative to a care group, or on a system wide or other absolute basis.Associating subjects with a common or related health-related issue maybe based on the type of sensor(s) associated with respective monitoringdevices, and/or information obtained or collected from subjects, and/orexamination of subjects, and/or from questionnaires, etc.

According to some embodiments, monitoring devices may be easily portableand may be easily worn (e.g., on a wrist, belt, etc.) or carried (e.g.,in a pocket, pocketbook, etc.). Some embodiments include an intermediarytransmission device which communicates with one or more monitoringdevices, and over a network, with at least one computer. In embodimentsusing an intermediary transmission device, such transmission devices maybe stationary or movable, e.g., easily portable, and may be placed inany convenient location in a home, office, play, exercise or otherfacility. Monitoring devices and an associated transmission device maybe located in a same building, facility, complex, etc., or sub-partthereof (e.g., a house, a room, apartment or office in a building,facility, complex, etc.). In this respect, a monitored subject may movefreely about the building, facility or complex, and information will betransmitted between monitoring devices and an intermediary transmissiondevice. A monitored subject may locate a monitoring device, such as ascale, in one room and the intermediary transmission device in another,e.g., convenient to a communications port (telephone jack, internetterminal, etc.).

According to some embodiments, each of the monitoring devices isassociated with at least one sensor, e.g., a sensor which provideshealth-related information. Such sensors may provide a wide variety ofhealth-related information such as, blood pressure; heart rate; bodytemperature; weight; EKG; EEG; glucose level (blood sugar); respiratorycapacity (e.g., PEAK flow); exercise, e.g., distance ran, walked,pedaled, on the ground or a on treadmill or bicycle or skates, etc., orsteps climbed; substances and/or chemical presence or level (e.g.,drugs, proteins, hormones, compounds, chemicals and things which may befound in a subject's body, blood, body fluids, etc.); levels ofremaining and/or usage of medicine and/or consumable items such asinsulin remaining in an insulin pump, bronchodilator medicine in anebulizer or glucose test strips, etc.; therapeutic effect; efficacy,compliance; tracking; etc. In various embodiments, a plurality ofmonitoring devices are associated with a first type of sensor, e.g., ablood pressure sensor or cuff, and a plurality of monitoring devices areassociated with a second type of sensor, e.g., a weight sensor or scale.According to various embodiments, monitoring devices associated with thesame type of sensor can communicate with each other (e.g., in atwo-party or multi-party basis, or sub-group basis, etc.) over thenetwork, as managed by a computer of a service provider, care givergroup, or an organization, etc., e.g., the at least one computerreferred to above. For example, a monitoring device associated with ablood pressure type sensor may communicate with another monitoringdevice associated with a blood pressure type sensor, but a monitoringdevice not associated with a blood pressure type sensor may notcommunicate with another monitoring device that is not associated with ablood pressure type sensor (or sensor type which senses a parameterrelated to a condition to which blood pressure is also related).However, communication between monitoring devices associated with ablood pressure type sensor may be restricted to members of anorganizational group, demographic group, geographic group, etc., asubset of all subjects associated with the same type of sensor, e.g.,based on membership in an organization, demographics, etc.

In various embodiments, data is stored in at east one storage device,e.g., in at least one database, from which data may be obtained and towhich data may be provided, by the at least one computer referred toabove. For example, the storage device(s) may comprise electronicmemory, magnetic memory, optical memory, ROM, RAM, tape, etc., storesubject information, health-related information and other information.The at least one computer may, over the network, receive informationfrom and provide information to monitoring devices, and may also provideinformation to and receive information from other persons and entities,e.g., family members, interested individuals such as care givers, healthproxies, or any other person authorized to receive such information.

According to various embodiments, at least one database and the at leastone computer may be provided. For example, they may be provided byand/or operated by a service provider, etc., who provides thefunctionality and/or services described herein including that of themessaging system. According to various embodiments, the service providermay provide the monitoring devices and other equipment. In someembodiments, the service provider may be a care group and/or careprovider group, or another type of organization such as an Internetprovider, and in some embodiments, the service provider may provide thefunctionality, services and/or equipment for one or more groups.

The at least one computer may be involved with managing and/ordocumenting the health, medical condition, well being, and/or fitness,etc., of individual subjects or in general, and/or managing and/ordocumenting drug tests, clinical evaluations, etc. Thus, the at leastone computer may collect information from individual subjects, andanalyze and process such information in the nature of a health-relateddatabase for a specific health-related issue or condition. Informationmay be provided, e.g., for research, analysis or other purposes strippedof personal patient information. Subjects may enter demographicinformation and other information into the database via the monitoringdevices, e.g., for analysis and research purposes.

The ability to identify subjects with specific health-related issueswith such precision allows unprecedented targeting of the population atlarge of subjects having monitoring devices, e.g., for advertising andresearch, in the health and/or other fields. Subject information may beused by the at least one computer for targeted messages, e.g.,informational messages, health related news, alerts, advertising, socialmessages, educational messages, messages with health-relatedinformation, statistical information, medical records, messages offeringencouragement or competition, etc. For example, where a monitoringdevice supplies blood pressure information, the information may be usedto identify a subject as a candidate for a hypertension drug, etc., andthe subject supplied with information or advertising regardinghypertension drugs. Similarly, such a subject may be supplied with analert of an environmental condition, such as extreme high or lowtemperatures, or ozone content using member position or geographicalinformation. A monitoring device that supplies respiratory informationmay identify the associated member as a candidate for an alert of highozone content, or high air pollution levels, etc. A monitoring devicethat supplies exercise information, e.g., from a pedometer or treadmill,may identify the associated subject to receive race event information,etc.

Advertisers, researchers and others may interactively collectinformation or otherwise interact with subjects identified, as discussedherein, to have a specific health-related issue or issues. Participationby subjects may be encouraged by offering and providing rewards, e.g.,payment, for a subject to take a desired action, e.g., specific to thetype of monitoring device used by the subject. Such an action mayinclude taking a measurement using a specific type of monitoring device,answering a question, e.g., via the monitoring device, visiting a healthcare professional, for exercising, etc. Health care management may alsotake advantage of such interactivity by providing the reward(s).

Groups and/or subgroups of subjects associated with the same type ofmonitoring device may be formed based on specific information related tospecific subjects such as demographics or extent of a condition, orgoals, or location, or information provided by subjects in response toqueries, etc. For example, male and female subjects in a weightmanagement program may be assigned to different groups or subgroups.Also, subjects at different weight levels, or subjects with differentweight loss goals, may be assigned to different groups. In anotherexample, marathon runners may be identified from the type of sensor usedand health-related information, and assigned to a marathon runninggroup. Similarly, diabetic subjects may be identified by glucose typesensors and health-related information and grouped or sub-grouped basedon type I or type II, and subjects with blood pressure issues may begrouped or sub-grouped based on severity, or the presence of otherconditions, such as a previous heart attack, or obesity, etc. Suchgrouping and sub-grouping can be dynamic, i.e., membership in suchgroups or subgroups may be real-time dynamic based, e.g., on live and/orreal time data, statistical data related to data provided by a subjectsmonitoring device, etc. For example, statistical data can be informationcreated from responses to queries, which may be combined with dataprovided by a monitoring device or devices, and/or stored data or otherdata.

Subjects may be peered on an individual or group basis, i.e., one toone, one to many, many to one and many to many based on a health-relatedissue or issues as discussed herein and other factors, e.g.,associations, membership in a group or subgroup, or a subset ofsubjects, etc. In one embodiment, peered subjects may be organized tofunction as a support group for a health-related issue or issues, e.g.,as a sole function of the peered group or for performing other functionsas well. In one embodiment, third parties without a monitoring devicemay be enabled to communicate with a member or members of a messaging orpeer group, e.g., a peer support group.

Messages from a monitoring device may comprise various content andthemes, e.g., motivation (or encouragement), competition, educational,informational (e.g., drugs, treatments, names of doctors, hospitals,insurance plans, events, etc.), social, alerts, etc.

Various embodiments of the invention may provide for real timeinteraction of subjects within a group or subgroup, and/or for providinginformation to devices of subjects in a group as the information becomesavailable, e.g., in real time, or at scheduled times, etc. For example,date and time information may indicate that subjects exercise at aboutthe same time. Such information can be used to form an exercise groupthat interacts in real time. For example, health-related information,e.g., distance run, speed (based on pedometer and time information ortreadmill data) may be provided to members of this group for purposes ofcompetition, motivation or encouragement, and members may message eachother in real time while they are exercising, etc. Similarly, members ina weight management group or members with a diabetic condition may beprovided with information and exchange messages at meal times.

In various embodiments, health-related information provided to the atleast one computer by electronic devices of subjects of a group may beprovided to all or selected subjects of a group as the information isreceived and processed by the at least one computer. With suchinformation, members of the group may function as a support group andcontact, via respective electronic devices or otherwise, subjects tooffer support, encouragement, assistance, etc. Many other applicationsof the ability to provide real time information to members of a groupwith a common health issue will be apparent to those in the field.

In various embodiments groups may be formed based on health-relatedinformation, e.g., sensor type(s) and filtered by demographics, and/orgeography, and/or time-related data. For example, a group may be formedof subjects whose electronic devices are associated with a bloodpressure cuff, who are female and over the age of 65, who live within acertain geographic area, etc.

As disclosed herein, an electronic device may comprise a cell phone orPDA. In such and other embodiments, messages may be audio in addition toor in place of visual messages.

With respect to compliance, the user interface of a monitoring devicemay be used to provide and receive compliance-related information.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a system is provided, e.g.,for facilitating management of health of subjects, comprising: at leastone computer; and a plurality of electronic devices, wherein eachelectronic device includes: (a) at least one input device through use ofwhich a message can be composed on the electronic device; (b) at leastone display device that is capable of displaying a message; and (c) atleast one programmed processor and memory accessible by the at least oneprocessor. In various embodiments, the at least one processor isinvolved with, e.g., manages, processing of health-related informationof a subject, message composition, receipt and/or display, andcommunicating with the at least one computer over a network. In variousembodiments, associated with each electronic device is informationidentifying the electronic device. In various embodiments, each of theelectronic devices has associated therewith at least one sensor whichprovides health-related information obtained from a subject to arespective electronic device. In various embodiments, a plurality offirst electronic devices have associated therewith a first type ofsensor and a plurality of second electronic devices have associatedtherewith a second type of sensor different from the first sensor type.In various embodiments, at least one database is provided that isaccessed by the at least one computer, the at least one database storingat least information relating to each of the subjects and theinformation associated with each the electronic devices, the databasebeing configured to associate the unique information associated with arespective electronic device with only one subject and to associate eachsubject with a unique destination. In various embodiments, the at leastone computer is configured to (a) provide a message received from afirst electronic device to a destination electronic device or devicesenabled by the at least one computer based on the sensor type or typesassociated with the first electronic device and the destinationdevice(s).

According to an embodiment of the invention, a method is provided, e.g.,for facilitating management of health of subjects, comprising: providingeach subject with a electronic device, wherein each electronic device:(a) is associated with either a first type of sensor or a second type ofsensor different from the first type of sensor that each provideshealth-related information of the subject to the electronic device; (b)provides the health related information to at least one computer over anetwork; (c) receives a message composed on the electronic devicethrough use of an input device, (c) displays a message; and (d) providesa message to and receives a message from at least one computer over thenetwork. In various embodiments, the method includes configuring the atleast one computer to which a message is provided to provide messagesreceived from a message originating electronic device to a destinationelectronic device only if the two electronic devices are associated withthe same type of sensor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a system is provided, e.g.,for facilitating management of health care of subjects, comprising atleast one computer; at least one storage device accessible by the atleast one computer; and a plurality of electronic devices, wherein eachelectronic device: (a) comprises a display device, an input device and aprogrammed processor and memory accessible thereby; (b) has associatedtherewith at least one of a plurality of sensors of different type whichprovide to the associated electronic device health-related informationobtained from a subject; and (c) is configured to provide a messagecomposed thereon through use of the input device thereof. In variousembodiments, the system is configured so that the electronic devices andthe at least one computer communicate over a network and send andreceive information related to the health-related information providedby a respective sensor, and a message. In various embodiments, the atleast one storage device stores at least information relating to each ofthe subjects and information associating each electronic device witheach sensor associated with the respective electronic device. In variousembodiments, the at least one computer is configured to provide amessage received from a first electronic device to a destinationelectronic device or devices based on the type of sensor with which theoriginating and destination electronic devices are associated.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a system is provided, e.g.,for facilitating heath management of subjects, comprising: a pluralityof electronic devices, wherein each electronic device is associated withat least one sensor of a plurality of sensors of different types toreceive sensor data therefrom and is adapted to communicate with atleast one computer to provide thereto data related to the sensor data.In various embodiments, each electronic device is associated with asingle subject, and comprises: an input device through use of which amessage can be composed on the electronic device; and a display devicethat can display a message composed on or received by the electronicdevice. In various embodiments, the system comprises at least onecomputer and a computer readable medium storing computer code whichcauses the at least one computer to control transmission of a messagereceived from one electronic device to at least one other electronicdevice based on the sensor type associated with the electronic devices.In various embodiments, each electronic device also includes a modulewhich communicates with the at least one computer to transmit a messagethereto and receive a message therefrom.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a system is provided, e.g.,for facilitating heath care management of subjects, comprising: aplurality of electronic devices, wherein each electronic device isassociated with at least one sensor of a plurality of sensors ofdifferent types to receive sensor data therefrom and is adapted tocommunicate with at least one computer to provide thereto data relatedto the sensor data. In various embodiments, each electronic device isassociated with a single subject, and includes a display device that candisplay messages received by the electronic device. In variousembodiments, the system includes at least one computer and a computerreadable medium storing computer code which causes the at least onecomputer to control transmission of messages to a plurality ofelectronic devices based on message content and the sensor typeassociated with the electronic devices.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a system is provided forfacilitating management of health of subjects, comprising at least onecomputer; at least one data storage device accessible by the at leastone computer; and a plurality of electronic devices, with the electronicdevices and the at least one computer communicating over a network.

In various embodiments, each electronic device has associated therewithat least one sensor which provides to a respective electronic devicehealth-related information relating to a respective subject, a pluralityof first electronic devices having associated therewith a first type ofsensor and a plurality of second electronic devices having associatedtherewith a second type of sensor different from the first sensor type.In various embodiments, each electronic device comprises at least oneinput device through use of which a message can be composed on theelectronic device; at least one display device that is capable ofdisplaying messages composed on and received by the electronic device;and identifying information associated therewith by which the respectiveelectronic device can be identified. In various embodiments, the atleast one data storage device stores a relationship of identifyinginformation and sensor type for each of the plurality of electronicdevices.

In various embodiments, the at least one computer is configured tocontrol routing of messages over the network at least to and fromelectronic devices based on one or more of the stored relationships. Invarious embodiments, the at least one computer is also configured tocontrol routing of messages, not composed on a electronic device, fromthe at least one computer to a plurality of electronic devices based onone or more of the stored relationships.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a method is provided, e.g.,for facilitating management of health of subjects, who each have aelectronic device each having identifying information associatedtherewith and with which is associated at least one sensor whichprovides to the electronic device health-related information relating tothe respective subject, wherein a plurality of first electronic deviceshave associated therewith a first type of sensor and a plurality ofsecond electronic devices have associated therewith a second type ofsensor different from the first sensor type. The method comprisesstoring a relationship of identifying information and sensor type foreach of the plurality of electronic devices; and at least one computerrouting messages over a network at least to and from electronic devicesbased on one or more of the stored relationships. Various embodiments ofthe electronic device may be as disclosed herein.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a system is provided forfacilitating management of health of subjects, comprising: a computersystem including at least one storage device that stores health-relatedinformation of a plurality of persons including health-relatedinformation of a plurality of persons arranged in at least one group inwhich each person in a respective group has a health-related issue incommon; and a device for obtaining health-related information from eachof the plurality of persons. In various embodiments, each device obtainshealth-related information from each of the plurality of persons fortransmission over a network to the computer system and the computersystem generates health-related information for transmission over thenetwork to each device. In various embodiments, each device includes amessaging component for sending and receiving over a network or thenetwork at least text messages originated by another device of a personwithin the same group or originated by the computer system.

According to some embodiments, the messages include an identifier bywhich the content of the message is classified, and wherein eachidentifier is associated with one or more types of sensors.

According to some embodiments, message content comprises advertising.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a computer readable mediumor media are provided storing program code which when executed by the atleast one computer and/or one or more electronic devices causes the atleast one computer and/or electronic devices to perform functionalitydisclosed herein, e.g., methods disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures of the accompanying drawings are meant to be exemplary andnot limiting. Like references in the figures are intended to refer tolike or corresponding parts.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a health care management system of a typedescribed in application Ser. No. 11/356,739.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic, block diagrams of embodiments of monitoringdevices that may be used in the systems depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a health care management system accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 depicts embodiments of data structures according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process for creating messaginggroups of monitoring devices in the system depicted in FIG. 4 accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a data structure according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating routing of messages from monitoringdevices in the system depicted in FIG. 4 according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a health care management system of atype described in application Ser. No. 11/356,739. The system 100comprises a plurality of monitoring devices 110 (shown in more detail inFIGS. 2 and 3) that obtain health-related information of subjects (notillustrated) and at least one computer 130 of a service providerreferenced generally by 132 which communicate over a network 134. Themonitoring devices 110 provide health-related information of subjectsand messages to a service provider computer 130, and a service providercomputer 130 provides messages and health-related information to themonitoring devices 110. The service provider 132 also includes at leastone database 136, memory 138 and a communications unit 140.Health-related and other information is stored in the database(s) 136and/or memory 138, including information relating to subjects, groupsand organizations such as care groups, climatic data, messages, etc.Some of the information stored by service provider 132 may be providedby computers 160, PDAs 164 and computer systems 170 of, e.g., caregroups, care provider groups, service providers, payors, etc. Thecommunications unit 140 may comprise any suitable hardware and/orsoftware for managing communications over the network 134 between theservice provider 132 and the monitoring devices 110, computers 160, PDAs164 and computer systems 170. The computers 160, PDAs 164 and computersystems 170 comprise communications units compatible for communicatingwith the service provider 132.

The at least one computer 130 may communicate subject information orother information to service providers 132, computers 160, PDAs 164 andcomputer systems 170, and to one or more monitoring devices 110 vianetwork 134. One or more of the recipients may be a care group or careprovider group that maintains a database 174. For example, a medicalgroup or physician may maintain a database of patients under their care,and may also have access to the patient information obtained with amonitoring device 110.

In one embodiment, as depicted schematically in FIGS. 2 and 3, theplurality of monitoring devices 110 each includes or has associatedtherewith one or more of the following: a computer 112, e.g., anelectronic controller; a memory 114; a user interface 116 for a user toinput and view information; a communications unit 118; one or moresensors 120 (FIG. 3 shows two sensors); a messaging component 122; asoftware or hardware implemented clock and/or a calendar (not shown)which associates a time and/or date with health-related information of apatient received by the monitoring device; a power source (not shown),such as batteries and/or an AC plug and/or adaptor and/or batterycharger, etc.

The computer 112 may comprise any suitable programmed microprocessor,preferably implemented on an integrated circuit. Memory 114 may compriseany suitable volatile and non-volatile electronic memory. The userinterface 116 (FIGS. 2 & 3) includes an input device 124, such asbuttons or a keypad or a keyboard and/or a touch device, mouse, etc.,and an output device 126, such as a display device, e.g., a liquidcrystal device. Messages may be composed on a monitoring device throughuse of the input device, e.g., by direct inputting of characters, or byselecting characters or graphics or items presented by or stored in themonitoring device, and in other ways. The memory 114 storeshealth-related information of a subject, information input via the inputdevice 124 and information provided by the remote computer 130, anddevice and user information, e.g., a user identification (“user ID”),device identification (“device ID”), e.g., a serial number, etc.

The communications unit 118 may comprise any suitable software andhardware for managing communication between a monitoring device 110 anda computer 130, over the network, and with or without an intermediarytransmission device such as hub 144 described below. The communicationsunit 118 may also comprise any suitable hardware and software formanaging communication between a monitoring device 110 and a sensor 120.Such software and/or hardware is known in the art or described in thecited patent applications. For example, communications unit 118 mayutilize Bluetooth technology to manage communications between themonitoring device and a sensor or sensors, and between the monitoringdevice and an intermediary transmission device. The communications unit118 or the intermediary transmission device manages networkcommunication, including network protocols, e.g., TCP/IP. Thecommunications unit 118 may comprise or communicate with devices such asa modem, and/or a communications port such as a USB port, an RS 232port, a serial or parallel port, through RJ-11 jack/ADSL/cable modem,etc.

The messaging component 122 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of a monitoring device 110manages messages sent and received by the monitoring device over thenetwork 134, and may comprise any commercially available software and/orhardware. For example, where the monitoring device is a portablecomputer, or laptop computer, or a desktop computer, the messagingcomponent may be Microsoft Outlook software, or other commerciallyavailable software, and where the monitoring device is a portabledevice, e.g., or a PDA device, the messaging component may be MicrosoftMobile Outlook software or other commercially available software.Messaging software is also described in the cited applications orsoftware described in the cited applications. However, the software andhardware may be any suitable software and hardware. The service provider132 also includes one or more messaging components 142 that arecompatible with the messaging component(s) 122 in the monitoring devices110. For example, the messaging component 142 may comprise hardwareand/or software for supporting messaging between the service provider132 and the monitoring devices 110, e.g., one or more servers runningMicrosoft Outlook software or other commercially available software.However, any suitable compatible hardware and/or software may be used toimplement the messaging components 122 and 142.

Sensors 120 (FIGS. 2 & 3) that are associated with monitoring devices110, e.g., incorporated in a monitoring device or wirelessly coupled(e.g., using Bluetooth, radio frequency, infrared, sonic, etc.,technology) or coupled by wire to a monitoring device, etc., may beclassified by type based on the type of health-related information thesensor provides. Examples of types of health-related informationprovided by sensors include the information described above. Amonitoring device 110 may have one sensor associated therewith or aplurality of sensors, e.g., a blood pressure type sensor and a weighttype sensor (FIG. 3), or a blood pressure type sensor and a heart ratetype sensor, or a glucose level type sensor and a weight type sensor,etc. Where more than one sensor is associated with a monitoring device,the sensor types may be related, e.g., a subject with diabetes may alsobe overweight, and in that case, the subject's monitoring device ordevices would have associated therewith a glucose level type sensor anda weight type sensor, or a subject with high blood pressure may have aheart condition and an EKG type sensor and/or a heart rate type sensormay also be provided for that subject. In the example represented inFIG. 1, the type of sensor or sensors associated with a monitoringdevice 110 are designated by: BP for blood pressure; HR for heart rate;BT for body temperature; WT for weight; EKG for electrocardiogram; EEGfor electroencephalogram; and GL for glucose level. As mentioned, amonitoring device 110 may be multi-purpose, e.g., associated with aplurality of sensors for measuring different types of physiologicparameters, or different types of devices 110 may be associated with asubject for measuring different types of physiological parameters, suchas a weight scale to obtain a user's weight, a blood pressure cuff toobtain a user's blood pressure, a glucose monitor to obtain a user'sblood glucose level, etc., or any combinations thereof, such as acombined glucose and blood pressure measurement device 110. Monitoringdevices and sensors may be provided for other types of health-relatedinformation, and FIG. 1 is exemplary in depicting some of the possiblemonitoring devices and sensors that may be used in the system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 200 that includes monitoring devices 110, aservice provider 232, information sources 150, computers 160 and systems170. According to one embodiment, communication between monitoringdevices 110 and the service provider may proceed as follows: wirelessBluetooth from a monitoring device 110 to a hub 144, and secure HTTPSfrom the hub to the server 130, which accesses the database 136 via aLAN. In an alternative embodiment, the monitoring devices 110 and theserver 130 communicate via HTTPS without the intermediary hub 144. HTTPSis a non-proprietary protocol that is publicly available, and databaseaccess may be provided by any suitable database management software. Theserver 130 may function as a gateway that allows messages to be sent toand from the monitoring device 110.

System 200 depicted in FIG. 4 is similar to system 100 depicted inFIG. 1. One difference is that the service provider 232 in FIG. 4arranges monitoring devices 110 with the same type of sensor or sensorsinto groups, e.g., “peer” groups, illustrated by the enclosed areas210-220. Also, the service provider database 136 in FIG. 4, describedbelow, differs from that in FIG. 1. One reason for arranging monitoringdevices in groups is to manage messages originating from within a groupdestined for one or more other monitoring devices in the same groupand/or sub-group. For example, in groups 210 and 214, the monitoringdevices 110 in the respective groups each are associated with a bloodpressure type sensor, and in group 211, the monitoring devices 110 inthe respective groups are associated with glucose type sensors. Somegroups include monitoring devices associated with two different types ofsensors, e.g., groups 215 and 216 (BP & GW), 217 (WT & GL), 219 (EKG &BP).

The service provider 232 (FIG. 4) may arrange more than one group ofmonitoring devices with the same type or types of sensors. For example,in groups 210 and 214, each of the monitoring devices 110 is associatedwith a blood pressure type sensor. In such cases, such groups may beassociated with different care groups, or organizations, e.g., HMO #1and HMO #2, or Insurer #1, Insurer #2, or separate groups may be formedwithin the same organization based on other criteria.

Subjects may be identified as candidates for a monitoring device asdescribed in cited application Ser. No. 11/356,739 as follows. Subjectsare identified who are actually or possibly in need of care, andprovided with monitoring devices with the goal of detecting worsening oracute situations and intervening early before more serious and moreexpensive care is needed. According to the cited application, healthcare practitioners, e.g., practitioners other than medical doctors suchas nurses, medical assistants, paramedics, trained staff, may determinewhen to intervene and encourage or arrange for health care to beprovided to monitored subjects by appropriate health care professionals.According to the cited application, subjects are identified formonitoring based on data such as medical history and/or initialmeasurements related to one or more health-related issues, e.g., highblood pressure. Health-related information of such subjects, includingphysiologic information, is provided to a database. The databaseprocesses the information and provides data which indicates, or fromwhich can be determined, whether a subject is a candidate formonitoring. As described in the cited application, groups are formed ofsubjects with the same or similar health-related issues, and theconcerned subjects are notified.

Cited application Ser. No. 11/356,739 describes enrollment of subjects,identifying subjects to be monitored, data acquisition from subjects bymonitoring devices and/or from measurements made in health careprofessionals' facilities, processing of data to form groups of memberswith like medical conditions and/or degrees of seriousness of a medicalcondition, and/or to identify candidates for intervention, e.g., bymeans of automatically generated alerts, and/or to notify such membersand/or health care professionals attending to such members, etc.

In the systems 100, 200 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4, a service providercomputer 130 also communicates with computers 160 (desktop, portable,laptop, etc.), PDAs 164, computer systems 170 and other devices ofparties related to a subject or subjects such as family, care givers(e.g., family members, partners, friends, professional care givers,etc.), various providers including health care professionals andnon-professionals (e.g., physicians, physician assistants, nurses,nutritionists, nurse's aids, therapists, exercise coaches etc.), caregroups, suppliers of consumables used with the monitoring devices (e.g.,glucose monitoring strips, insulin for insulin pumps), insurers andpayors, etc. The type of information that may be communicated varieswith the relationship between the party and a subject, HIPAArequirements, if any, data access permissions, etc. Generally, computers160, PDAs 164 and computer systems 170 may be provided with informationfrom service provider 132, 232 via a web server computer 130 overnetwork 134, e.g., the Internet, or alert type information issued by aservice provider computer 130 via a messaging system such asconventional email, e.g., over the Internet, or by computer controlledtelephony or facsimile, or by an individual at the service provider 132,232 placing a telephone call or sending a facsimile to a party relatedto a subject.

In the systems 100, 200 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4, the service providercomputer 130 also communicates with computer systems 170, e.g., ofhealth care providers, care groups, organizations such as insurers,payors, health plans, fitness centers, etc. The computer systems 170 mayinclude one or more computers 172 and databases 174 for storinginformation relating to subjects, e.g., provided by the service provider132, 232 based, e.g., on information the service provider collects frommonitoring devices 110, computers 160, PDAs 164, sources of information150, computer systems 170, etc., where such information may include theinformation described above. The computer systems 170 may provide accessto information stored by the computer system to user computers 160 andPDAs 164 over the network 134, or a LAN, etc. The type of informationthat may be communicated varies with the relationship between theorganization and the user, HIPAA requirements, data access permissions,etc.

In some embodiments, in systems 100 and 200, a monitoring device 110communicates with a service provider computer 132 over the network 134via an intermediary transmission device or hub 144. In some embodiments,a monitoring device 110 communicates with a computer 130 over thenetwork 134 without an intermediary transmission device 144.

The type of health-related information stored by service provider 132,monitoring devices 110, computers 160, PDAs 164 and computer systems 170includes contact information of subjects, care givers, care providers,facilities, service providers, emergency contacts, medications,allergies, medical histories, clinical evaluations, family histories,hospitalizations, medical visits, and specific physiologic measurementssuch as weight, blood pressure, or glucose levels, text or picturemessages.

Where an intermediary transmission device 144 is used, the monitoringdevice(s) and the transmission device communicate with suitable wirelesstechnology, such as an RF carrier, e.g., Bluetooth technology, althoughother wireless, or wired, communications may be used. The intermediarytransmission device 144 generally acts as a hub or base for one or aplurality of monitoring devices 110, e.g., a plurality of monitoringdevices with different sensors or of different types, or devices withthe same type of sensor or of the same type used by different subjects,e.g., in the same household. For example, the transmission device 144may include a transmitter and/or a receiver for communicating wirelesslywith one or more monitoring devices 110 and a modem and/or a jack,connector, or other port for connecting to the server computer 130 overthe network 134, such as a cellular telephone network, the publictelephone network, the Internet, or any other network. The configurationand operation of monitoring devices and transmission devices isdescribed in more detail in patent applications referred to above. Thisembodiment is described in more detail in the cited applications.

Where a monitoring device 110 communicates with a computer 130 withoutan intermediary transmission device 144, the monitoring device may beconfigured and operate as a PDA, portable computer, desktop computer,cell phone, etc. to communicate with the service provider computer 130,display information on the display device 126, receive and processinformation input by the input device 124. Also, a monitoring device 110may be a PDA, portable computer, PC or cell phone or other device thatmay or may not include specifically configured hardware but does includeat least some software that is specifically configured to perform someof the functionality described herein. Such devices may include at leastsome hardware and some software that is specifically configured toperform the functions described herein, e.g., obtain health-relatedinformation of a subject via one or more sensors 120, and store,process, display, and communicate, etc. such information. FIGS. 1 and 4are exemplary in depicting some of the possible monitoring devices thatmay be used.

Information stored by service provider 132 may be provided by computers160, PDAs 164 and computer systems 170 of, e.g., care groups, careprovider groups, service providers, payors, etc., and additionally byinformation sources 150 (e.g., news organizations, advertisingorganizations, manufacturers and distributors of products that may berelated to health-related issues, organizations maintaining electronichealth (medical) records (“EHRs”), organizations providinghealth-related or other data for EHRs, etc.).

As mentioned, FIG. 4 illustrates a system 200 that includes monitoringdevices and a service provider similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, but in which the service provider 232 arranges monitoringdevices 110 with the same type of sensor or sensors into peer groups210-220, and manages messaging between and among subjects based onmemberships in a group or groups. The system 200 provides a peer-to-peernetwork for monitoring devices 110 in the same group or sub-group.

A number of monitoring devices 110 may be grouped together as describedherein, and messaging between and among monitoring devices 110 may berestricted to monitoring devices in the same peer group, or tosub-groups within a larger peer group. According to one embodiment, analert message, or motivational message can be generated manually orautomatically by a monitoring device 110 or a service provider computer130, and transmitted to a member or members of the same group. Asdiscussed above, this may be done on an interactive or real time basis.For example, messages can be triggered by a specific event, e.g., anemergency message can be transmitted from a monitoring device 110 with ablood pressure type sensor of a cardiac patient to other members of acardiac peer group if the patient's heart rate or blood pressurereadings fall into a certain range, or a motivational message can betransmitted from all members of a weight loss peer group to a specificmember if the subject's weight or daily caloric intake fall into acertain range, as measured by the monitoring device 110. In anotherembodiment, messages can be triggered by consumable tracking parameters,e.g., an emergency message can be transmitted from the monitoring deviceof a diabetic patient to other members of a diabetes group if the levelof insulin remaining in the reservoir of a patient's insulin pumpreaches a certain level, or, similarly, an order can be transmitted fromthe monitoring device 110 to a pharmacy or other supplier (represented,e.g., by computer 160 or computer system 170), to automate the orderingof additional insulin.

As described in cited application Ser. No. 11/356,739, a serviceprovider may facilitate management of various types of health problems,such as high or low blood pressure, glucose levels, weight, etc., andsubjects may be grouped based on health related issues. For example, thehealth of a group of subjects belonging to a care group may be managed.As described in application Ser. No. 11/356,739, subjects are enrolledin a coordinated care group, and certain subjects are identified formonitoring, including forming groups with like medical conditions,health related classifications, degrees of seriousness of a medicalcondition and/or phase of a particular program.

As described in cited application Ser. No. 11/356,739, initialphysiological measurement data related to each of a plurality of peoplein a group is received. In general, the group of people may be any groupof people, such as members of a managed health care organization,members of a fitness organization, members of an institution,subscribers to an interne service provider, all citizens of a state orcountry, all members of a family, or other group. The physiologicmeasurement data may be any data indicating a physiologic, health orother condition or state of an individual. Initial measurements may bereceived to provide a baseline health condition of the person.Additional physiological measurement data related to each person in asub-group of the group of people may be received. In general, thepersons in the sub-group have an initial physiological measurement thatsatisfies a criterion, such as a first criterion, which may be a value.A computing device may be used to automatically determine that theinitial physiologic measurement satisfies the first criterion. Forexample, a sub-group of a group of persons may be created forindividuals having a blood pressure measurement above or below a certaininitial criteria. The additional physiological measurement data may beobtained using a portable device, such as a medical monitoring devicethat is provided to each person in the sub-group. The additionalphysiological measurement may relate to the sub-group, such as in theexample above, additional blood pressure readings, or otherphysiological measurement. The additional monitoring may be receivedaccording to a frequency or period as necessary for the sub-group.Additional monitoring may be based on a treatment regimen that isappropriate for the sub-group.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each person in thesub-group may be contacted when an additional physiological measurementdata obtained by a portable device satisfies a second criterion, whichmay be a value, such as a higher or lower reading than the initial firstcriterion. A computing device may be used to automatically determinethat the initial physiologic measurement satisfies the second criterion.The additional physiological measurements, when compared to a first andsecond criterion may provide an indication of a change in a person'shealth, physical or physiological condition. The person, orrepresentative or other contact, may be contacted in connection with thereading. The contacting may be via an electronically delivered message,such as a text message sent to a portable device, email, voicemail orother message, or a telephone call from a health care manager or otherindividual associated with providing managed health care. Prior to thecontact, an individual, such as a health care provider, carecoordinator, health care professional, such as a nurse, doctor,physician's assistant, or other interested individual may review theadditional physiologic measurement that satisfies the second criterion,or other additional physiologic measurement, e.g., to ensure thatintervention is appropriate. In general, the method may be provided byhealth care practitioners, which may include doctors, but is typicallyprovided by a nurse, physician's assistant or other health care provideror professional.

An embodiment of enrollment of monitoring devices and screening ofsubjects for enrollment in monitored groups is described further below.

Information related to subjects and other information which can be usedto determine eligibility of subjects for enrollment in a monitored groupor groups may be stored in a service provider database 136. A monitoredgroup may be constituted by subjects from a single organization such asa care group, or from subjects associated with different organizationsor not associated with any organization. In one embodiment, membershipin a monitored group is limited to subjects from the same care group. Inthis embodiment, subjects with the same or related health issues who aremonitored using the same type or types of sensors are selected formembership in a monitored group.

FIG. 5 depicts exemplary data structures 300, 302, 304 and 306maintained in a database 136 of service provider 232 (FIG. 4). The datastructures may comprise data records arranged in tables that include allor combinations of the following and other fields: user (subject) ID,device ID or IDs, user name, address, telephone number, sensor type ortypes, organization ID or IDs, message group or groups, and otherinformation such as subject medical information, sensor data, EHRinformation, SSN, password, PIN, insurance company, etc. The informationmay be arranged in a relational database defined by tables, e.g., asubject table 300, a device table 302, care giver table 304, a messagegroup table 306, and other tables.

Additional information related to subjects may be stored in recordsand/or documents maintained in one or more databases and/or documentsystems. Such information may include data provided by monitoringdevices (e.g., sensor data), patient EHRs, clinical information,climatic information, news, current events, health-related alerts, etc.

In an embodiment, the data structures 300, 302, 304 and 306 may comprisedata records arranged in tables where a field or fields comprisedatabase keys. For example, in table 300, field “user ID” may comprise aprimary key to uniquely identify records in table 300. As anotherexample, in table 300, field “device ID” may comprise a foreign key tocross-reference data in a relational table, e.g., with a primary key“device ID” in table 302.

FIG. 6 provides a high level illustration of a process 400 for enrollingsubjects in a messaging group. As discussed above, a messaging group maybe formed of members of a single organization or from members of aplurality of organizations, and/or unaffiliated subjects. In block 402,a service provider selects the organization or organizations, e.g., caregroups, or unafiliated subjects expressing an interest in joining, fromwhich members of one or more message groups are to be drawn. In block404, the service provider selects a sensor type or types for a messagegroup within the selected organization(s). For example, a blood pressuresensor may be selected. In block 406, all subjects within the selectedorganization(s) having a monitoring device and the selected associatedsensor(s) are identified. Block 408 determines whether a subjectidentified in block 406 has agreed, requested or otherwise consented tobe in a message group, either at all or by sensor type. If in block 408determines that a subject has not opted to be in a message group atleast for the selected sensor, then the subject is not identified as amember of the message group (block 410), and if the subject has optedinto a message group for at least the selected sensor, the subject isidentified for inclusion in the message group for at least the selectedsensor in block 412.

In block 413, a message address is assigned to or selected by a subject.As mentioned, the address may be anonymous so as not to reveal theidentity of the subject. For example, the Internet email address formatmay be used, which includes a user name (can be anonymous) followed by @and a domain name. However, any suitable address convention or formatmay be used.

Block 414 of the flow depicted in FIG. 6 determines if there areadditional subjects in the selected organization that have not yet beentested for a determination of whether they have opted to participate inthe or a message group. If so, the flow loops back to block 408, and ifnot, the flow proceeds to determine in block 416 if there are sufficientsubjects to form a message group. For example, an organization maydetermine that it will form a message group only if there are more thanX participants. A message group is created in block 418 and a messagegroup ID is assigned if there are more than X subjects, otherwise not(block 420). In either case, the flow determines in block 422 if theselected organization has selected an additional message group forpossible formation, and if so, the flow loops to block 404, and if not,ends (block 424).

A message group may be formed by creating records or tables in adatabase such as those illustrated in FIG. 5, which associate amonitoring device or devices of a subject with a message group. Anexample of such a record or table 306 is depicted in FIG. 5. Table 306includes a field 310 for the messenger group, a field 312 for a deviceID, a field 314 for a sensor type, a field 316 for a user name, a field318 for organization ID, etc. As mentioned, records 300, 302, 304, 306may constitute tables in a relational database. Tables 300, 302, 304,306 may be populated with data in any suitable way. For example, datamay be provided by a subject via a questionnaire, paper or on-line, viatelephone, automated IVR or to a customer service representative, by anorganization which has previously compiled relevant data and a processsuch as flow 400, etc.

In one embodiment, relevant data may also be arranged in a datastructure 330 (FIG. 7) as a matrix for each subject on a serviceprovider wide or organization wide basis. For example, matrix 330depicted in FIG. 7 includes a row 332 for each monitoring device 110 andcolumns identifying organization(s), sensor types, message groups, etc.A one bit flag indicates whether a monitoring device (device ID) in therow is associated with a particular care group, sensor, etc.

Matrix 330 may be populated from the flow 400 depicted in FIG. 6.Selecting the organization(s) in block 402 creates a matrix in which allof the IDs of all of the monitoring devices 110 in all of the selectedorganization(s) are loaded into column 333 of the matrix, and the IDs ofthe selected organization(s) are loaded into respective column 334, 336of the matrix. The message group IDs assigned in block 418 areassociated with column 338 and the sensor types are associated withcolumn 340, 342, etc.

The matrix is populated for each device ID by one bit flags to indicatewhich organization(s) monitoring device (device ID) in the row it isassociated with, and which sensor types are associated with themonitoring device in the row. A device is associated with a messagegroup based on the flags in the organization(s), sensor type and the optflags in column(s). The Tables 300, 302, 304, 306 and/or matrix 330 maybe used in routing messages from monitoring devices 110 only to othermonitoring device associated with at least one sensor type in common.

Routing of messages originating from monitoring devices 110 may berestricted based on a matrix or database records or tables. An exemplaryflow 450 is depicted in FIG. 8. A message is received from a monitoringdevice in block 452. The message includes information identifyingindividual destination monitoring devices, groups of monitoring devicesor all monitoring devices in a group. Block 454 determines whether thedestination is to an individual monitoring device or a group ofmonitoring devices. If to a group, block 456 determines whether theoriginating monitoring device is enabled to transmit a message to thegroup, and if so, the message is routed to all members of the group inblock 458. If the originating monitoring device is not enabled totransmit messages to the identified group, an error message is returnedto the originating monitoring device in block 460. If block 454determines that the message destination is for one or more specificmonitoring devices, block 462 determines if the origination anddestination devices are in the same message group. An error message isreturned to the originating monitoring device in block 460 for eachdestination monitoring device not in the message group, and the messageis routed to each identified destination in the message group in block458.

An “envelope” icon or other message indicator may appear on the display126 of the monitoring device 110, or an audible message indicator alertmay sound when such information is received. Upon selection of amessages menu item, an appropriate messaging screen is displayed. Themessaging screen may provide a list of opened and unopened messages,which may be selected by the subject for viewing. Upon selection, thecontents of the selected messages are displayed. As noted above,messaging may vary. The messaging may be a prompt for information, suchas a compliance query, which shows a message from, e.g., computer 130, aservice provider 232, or a recipient, inquiring whether the user hastaken medication. Similarly, the messages may inquire regarding use ofthe device, which may serve as a gentle reminder for the user to use thedevice 110 more often. Other free text messages relating to receiveddata may also be sent to the device 110.

Health-related information may be provided by monitoring devices asdescribed in a cited application. For example, a monitoring schedule maybe defined by a subject or health care provider for initiating operationof a monitoring device to obtain sensor data and communicate the sensordata to the service provider 232. In one embodiment, sensor data isautomatically obtained based on time, e.g., hourly or daily, which maybe adjusted dynamically based on the previous reading, i.e. a bloodpressure reading taken daily may be changed to an hourly reading if aprevious reading is above a certain value. In another embodiment, sensordata is taken manually at the direction of the patient.

A monitoring device 110 retrieves sensor data from the associatedsensor. The sensor data may be stored in memory 114 (FIGS. 2 and 3) onthe monitoring device 110 and then transmitted over the network 134based on pre-defined automated or manual transmit instructions. Storedmessages may be transmitted at the same time, or messages may becomposed and transmitted similar to current email, or composed, storedand transmitted with other information such as sensor data. Thehealth-related information and messages are routed to the serviceprovider 232 over the network 134, and the service provider 232,re-routes messages to authorized subjects, stores health-relatedinformation, etc.

For example, in a case where health-related information of subjects maybe distributed by service provider 232 in accordance with HIPAArequirements and subject authorizations.

In one embodiment, alert ranges may be defined by a patient or healthcare provider to determine when health-related information such asweight, blood pressure, or glucose levels, are transmitted. For example,a subject may choose to have a monitoring device 110 transmit a glucosereading only if it falls below a certain value, or a health careprovider may choose to have a monitoring device 110 transmit a bloodpressure only if it rises above a certain value.

Measurement data, tracking data, and messages transmitted by monitoringdevices 110, can be selectively transmitted with different urgencylevels, e.g., a motivational message would be marked as low priority,while a high blood pressure reading would be marked as urgent.

Communication of health-related information is preferably secure and/orencrypted over the network 134. For example, the end to endcommunication is encrypted throughout, and each session is authenticatedand validated prior to sending any information. Any suitable protocolmay be used for communication between monitoring devices 110 and aservice provider computer 130.

Computer 130 may communicate subject information or other information tovarious recipients as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4 via network 134. One ormore of the recipients may be a health care provider (represented, e.g.,by 170) that maintains the database 174. For example, a physician maymaintain a database of patients under his or her care, and may also haveaccess to the information obtained with a monitoring device 110. Arecipient may also be a family member, interested individual, or anyother person who may wish to receive the monitored subject'sinformation, as represented, e.g., by computers 160 and PDAs 164.

A recipient may also communicate with a monitoring device 110 via thenetwork 134 and computer 130 for example to supply information orquestions in response to received subject information. Suchcommunication is controlled by the service provider 232 and limited torecipients and subjects who are related. For example, the serviceprovider provides information from a recipient physician to a subjectwho is a patient, or from a recipient family member of a subject, etc.

A subject may register a monitoring device 110 as described in citedapplication Ser. No. 11/108,355. Cited application Ser. No. 11/108,355also describes a protocol for taking a physiologic measurement with amonitoring device 110.

The subject's information may be communicated from the monitoring device110 to the computer 130 via network 134 at about the time themeasurement is taken. The monitoring device display 126 can includeindications that the subject's information is being transmitted, such asa transmission or connection icon. When the computer 130 has beenreached, confirmation that the information has been received by thecomputer 130 may also be indicated on the display 126 of the monitoringdevice 110. If computer 130 cannot be reached, an indication of thefailed communication will be indicated on the monitoring device display.

The memory 114 of the monitoring device can be, for example a 24C256 256Kbit Serial Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM). The memory is accessedvia an I Square C (I2C) serial bus. The bus signals required may be aclock input (SCK) plus separate data lines (SDA). Data stored in theMemory can include, for example: system database, multiple measurements,chart data, messages from system, user identification, serial number,time data for the measurements, etc. The monitoring device 110 mayinclude a built-in A/D converter that is used, e.g., to measure thebattery voltage.

The intermediary transmission device 144 may be a real time system thatis designed as a combination of an interrupt communication system and apolled event handler. The communications sub-system handles RS232communications (modem) as well as radio frequency communications,Bluetooth or other communication means, with the blood pressure meter orany other device. The transmission device 144 carries out commands toconnect via a network, such as the Internet, cellular telephone, publictelephone, to computer 130, and acts as a conduit for communicationsbetween the computer 130 and the monitoring device 110.

In one embodiment, the transmission device 144 generally has a modem,such as IP568 integrated modem chip. The IP568 is a multi-standard modemfor use in telephone based information and telemetry systems. Control ofthe transmission device 15 is via standard AT commands. The IP568 isV.90/V.92 modem chip with a speed up to 56K baud. The on-chipμController interprets these AT commands and controls an internal DSP,which provides the modem and ancillary functions such as Ring Detection,Call Progress Detection, Hook Switch control and DTMF autodialing. Inaddition to the Modem, device 144 also has a high speed Internetinterface (RJ45) which enables device 144 connects directly to theInternet. Device 144 also has an USB interface which can be used for theconfigurations of the device or other features.

The transmission device 144 can also have a cellular telephoneinterface, such as a RS232 serial interface. Hardware flow control usingRTS/CTS is implemented. The signal lines available are: Transmit,Receive, RTS (Request to Send), CTS (Clear to Send), and Ground. Inanother embodiment, Bluetooth can be the interface between the sensordevice and the cellular telephone where software resident on theBluetooth enabled cellular telephone will allow for transmission of thesensor data.

Monitoring device 110, e.g., communications unit 118, performscommunications functions when an intermediary transmission device 144 isnot used.

The monitoring device 110 and the transmission device 144 (collectivelya “client device”) may communicate with the server computer 130 in avariety of ways. In one embodiment, the client device communicates withthe computer using the protocol outlined below. The data may becommunicated between the devices in a variety of different ways. In oneembodiment, the information is communicated to the server 130 in adatagram or packet that includes at least one actual measurement takenwith the monitoring device 110, such as a blood pressure, weight,glucose measurement and the date and time the measurement was taken.Additional information for associating the measurements with aparticular user may also be communicated to the server 130, whether inthe same datagram or otherwise, such as a unique user identificationnumber, etc., as well as information for identifying the particular typeof device being used, such as the device identification number,responses to messages, etc. Various types of information may also besent to the monitoring device 110 from the computer 130, such as chartdata, e.g., coordinates as well as other information for plotting agraphical representation of the measure data, messages (long and shortform), etc.

As discussed above, computer 130 may access one or more databases whichstore information of the type described herein, e.g., subject data,health and medical condition data of individual patients, health andmedical condition data in general, and/or drug tests, clinicalevaluations, data, etc. Computer 130 and/or other computers may access,analyze and process such data in connection with a specific health issueor condition, etc. Information from such a database and other databasesmay be provided, e.g., for research, analysis or other purposes strippedof user information that may be used to identify particular users, suchas the subject's name, address, identification number, etc. Subjects mayenter into monitoring devices 110 demographic information and otherinformation that may be included, e.g., with other patient informationfor, e.g., analysis and research purposes. Subject information may alsobe used in connection with the provision by a remote computer andappropriate databases of targeted messages, e.g., health related news,alerts, advertising, etc. For example, where a monitoring devicesupplies blood pressure information, the data may be used to identifythe patient associated with the monitoring device as a candidate for ahypertension drug, etc. Such a patient may be supplied with an alert ofextreme high or low temperatures, or ozone content, e.g. based on ageographic position. A monitoring device that supplies respiratoryinformation may be identified, for example, as a candidate for an alertof high ozone content, or high air pollution levels, etc. The above oranother database may be provided for compliance information.

In this respect, the service provider 232 may provide a website or anygraphical interface for accessing information, which will generally bereferred to herein as a website, for access to such information and/orfor messaging particular monitored users. The particular user'sinformation is preferably made available based on specific userentitlement. For instance, a monitored user may be entitled only toinformation regarding the user's own monitoring, such as the user's ownphysiologic measurements, charts, messages, etc. Similarly, a physician,caregiver, family member, or other interested party will have accessonly to information particularly entitled to, such as the interestedparty's own patient(s), family member, etc. In this respect, themonitored user may be provided with an interface or some other means forproviding access to his or her information for interested parties.Website users may also be provided with information regarding monitoredusers without authorization provided the information does not containany personalized information. For instance, the website users may beprovided with statistical data regarding other monitored users, such asaverage readings for other users with similar conditions, compliance,outcomes, etc. In these respects, website users may first be providedwith a logon interface screen prompting the user for a user name and apassword.

A variety of interested parties may be provided access to informationbased on specific entitlement. For instance, a health care provider maybe provided access to information for the provider's own patients. Theterm healthcare provider generally includes any individual or entitythat is interested in the patient's physiologic measurements, such as aphysician, nurse, aid, personal trainer, etc. In this respect, afterlogging on, the healthcare provider will be provided with a list of menuitems, e.g., collectively under a “My Ideal Life” heading, that provideauthorized access to specific types of information, such as personalinformation regarding all of the provider's patients or subgroupsthereof, information regarding the provider's patient's readings orsubgroups thereof, e.g., reports, messages or action items(interactions) for the particular provider, an online calendar, etc., asshown in FIGS. 2-12 of cited application Ser. No. 11/108,355.

The service provider 232 may provide the interface to a health careprovider for the health care provider to manage the health of a group ofindividuals. Various types of health problems may be managed inaccordance with the present invention, such as high or low bloodpressure, glucose levels, weight, etc. The individuals may be groupedbased on a variety of criteria, such as health related issues, commonphysicians, common insurance, etc., or a combination thereof. Forexample, physiological measurement data of a group of individuals may bereceived and compared to an initial criterion established for asub-group. The members or persons in the sub-group may be associatedwith a particular treatment regimen appropriate for their healthcondition and be provided a monitoring device. Several levels ofphysiological measurement criteria may be established which correspondto an appropriate intervention for the criteria. For example, in adiabetes sub-group having members that have a particular glucose levelthat satisfies an initial criteria, one or more criteria may beestablished for different glucose levels which may have an appropriateintervention.

The system 100, 200 may be used to manage the health of a group ofsubjects belonging to a coordinated care group. In this embodiment, theservice provider 132, 232 is preferably a separate and distinct entityfrom the care group, insofar as the service provider provides thebackend functionality of the service provider system, collectively thecomputer 130, database 136, message module 142 and the softwareassociated therewith. A group administrator may provide the monitoringdevices to its members and monitor the member's health with theinterface provided by the service provider. A secondary observer, e.g.,other than an actual physician, such as a nurse practitioner, maymonitor the members' health to help doctors control the members' healthmore efficiently. In one embodiment, the interface provides informationand alerts as well as other functions for the nurse practitioner to actas a care-coordinator that facilitates coordination between thephysician and the patient.

The service provider 132, 232 may maintain the group members'information in a database 136 associated with a computer 130. At leastsome of the subjects' information, such as the subjects' names,addresses, demographic information, physiologic measurements, etc., mayat least initially be shared with the database 136. This may beaccomplished to define the coordinated care group. Once the group hasbeen defined, the group administer may provide the monitoring devices tothe members of the group, which may then activate the monitoring devices110 by registering the devices 110 with the service provider 132, 232.

Individual members of a group may be monitored in accordance with apatient monitoring program or treatment regimen. The patient monitoringprogram generally includes a protocol that serves as a schedule forindividual users to take additional physiologic measurements. Theprotocol may be fixed for the duration of the monitoring period or mayvary. In one embodiment, at least one individual is monitored inaccordance with a multi phase monitoring program, which may include afirst phase for screening individuals for coordinated care regarding ahealth related issue indicative of a physiologic parameter beingmonitored, e.g., using an initial criterion as a comparison againstphysiological measurements to determine whether an individual isappropriate for a coordinated care sub-group (Phase I), a second phaseto achieve control of the health related issue (Phase II), a third phasefor screening individuals to determine if the health related issue isbeing controlled (Phase III), and a fourth phase for determining whetherthe health related issue is being controlled over an extended period oftime (Phase IV).

The various phases may be timed accordingly. For instance, the firstphase may entail measurements for a period of 8 days or any other timenecessary to determine if the individual is a candidate for coordinatedcare with regard to a health related issue, such as high blood pressurelevel or other initial criteria for a group in coordinated care.Qualification for coordinated care may be based on a variety ofcriteria, which includes at least one physiologic measurement exceedingan acceptable threshold. If the individual is a candidate forcoordinated care, the individual may be monitored for a longer period oftime, fixed or otherwise, or until control of the individual's healthrelated issue is achieved. Control may generally be achieved withcoordinated care based on the physiologic measurements taken with themonitoring device 10. That is, the care-coordinator may review thephysiologic measurements and/or any alerts derived therefrom and actaccordingly in a proactive manner to control the health issue. It isunderstood that control may be achieved in a variety of ways, such as byprescribing medications or changing dosage, scheduling follow-up visitswith a physician, attending to non-compliance issues, etc. Once the timeperiod for control has lapsed, e.g., 6 months, the third phase may beapplied to determine if the health related issue is indeed under controland, if so, the fourth phase may be applied to ensure that the healthrelated issue remains under control. The various phases may generally berepeated as necessary until the desired control is achieved. In oneembodiment, coordinated care with regard to high blood pressure may beachieved with the program outlined below.

Group membership may be dynamic and based on a member's current healthstatus. For example, if a member's physiologic measurements falls belowor is considered better than an acceptable criteria or threshold, themember may be removed from the group. In another example, if more thanone physiologic measurement is obtained from the member, one measurementmay indicate a relative improvement of a condition which no longerexceeds an intervention or treatment criteria, but second measurementmay worsen and exceed another criteria for membership in a coordinatedcare group or sub-group. In such case, the member may be moved from afirst group to a second group. Furthermore, individuals withinrespective groups can communicate with each other to further assist ineducation and motivation to achieve desired goals and results.

The service provider 132, 232 may provide a website that includes one ormore graphic user interfaces for monitoring physiologic measurements forthe members of the coordinated care group. The at least one computer mayalso provide an interface for use in providing coordinated care for oneor more or a group of individuals being monitored with the monitoringdevice. The interface preferably provides information to acare-coordinator in a manner for the coordinator to act appropriately ina proactive manner. This may be accomplished, for example, by generatingalerts for the coordinator based on physiologic measurements and/oraction items for the coordinator based on the alerts.

As mentioned any suitable communications protocol and system may beused. A non-limiting example, meant for purposes of illustration,follows.

Communications between a monitoring device and transmitting device (hub)(collectively “client device”) and the computer.

Client Device Internet Connection

-   -   I. Client devices may communicate with remote computers using an        Internet connection using a PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)        connection to the selected ISP (Internet Service Provider).    -   II. The ISP will provide a national/international, e.g.,        toll-free, number for initial data access, and may also provide        an extensive network of nationwide/international dial-up POPs        (points of presence). Initial contact may be with a Contact        Center (which may use computers and communication devices        different from computers and communication devices that receive,        transmit, process, etc. health-related information).    -   III. The initial, e.g., toll-free number, as well as other        information, such as a username, and password, may be loaded        into all client devices for registration.    -   IV. During registration, a local POP access number (or one that        is as close as possible to the user's home address), username,        and password may be sent to the client device, for further        dial-up communications, unless it is remotely or locally reset.

Communication Protocol

-   -   I. Communications sessions with the computer may be initiated by        the client device requesting either registration or logon to the        computer    -   II. The client device may first resolve the name of the computer        using a DNS (Domain Name System) protocol, and use the IP        address of the computer for all further communications for the        particular session    -   III. The client device and computer may communicate using        TCP/IP, or any suitable protocol, e.g., the UDP (User Datagram        Protocol) protocol.    -   IV. At a high level the sequence for datagram communications in        a session is as follows:        -   1. Administration;        -   2. Readings (sensor reading data);        -   3. Measuring (messages, questions and responses); and        -   4. Graphing (graphs and charts).

Date and Time Synchronization

-   -   I. The client device clock will be set by the computer at the        start of every session, i.e., registration or logon    -   II. The computer may synchronize with a time server on the        internet to ensure accuracy    -   III. The computer may record, e.g., in the database, the home        time zone for each client device when it is registered with the        Contact Center, or more generally the service provider, based        upon the user's home address    -   IV. The computer may convert and transmit all date and time        information to the client device from “universal time”, e.g.,        Greenwich Mean Time, to the user's home local time    -   V. The computer may convert and store all date and time        information received from the client device from the user's home        local time to “universal time”

Language Preference

-   -   I. The client device and the computer may store the user's        language preference    -   II. The default language may be US English    -   III. When the client device is first used or after a reset, the        user may be asked to enter/confirm their language selection    -   IV. If the user specifies another language, the computer may        store the language preference and download the language        preference to the client device during registration

Registration

-   -   I. Preferably, the client device may only be used once it has        been successfully registered. On power-up, registration status        is checked. If the device is unregistered, the user must go        through the registration processes.    -   II. By making a voice call to a Contact Center the user will        receive instructions for use of the system and initially        register with the service. The Contact Center may link the user        to the serial number of the device in the database.    -   III. The information collected by the Contact Center may include        the full home address of the individual device user, including        the postal code, so that a user's local time zone can be        determined and stored on the computer. The language preference        for the user's client device should also be collected and stored        by the Contact Center.    -   IV. To register the device, the customer may        -   a) Make a voice call to the Contact Center or provide the            information via the Contact Center web-site and obtain            necessary information        -   b) Connect the device to computer, e.g., with the toll-free            ISP access number        -   c) The device will logon and initiate communications to the            computer        -   d) Information received by the device may include: local            access number, username, password, language, date and local            time, web address, ports and cellular phone configuration            information from the computer.

Logon and Logoff

-   -   I. After successful communication, the client device is ready        for all communications sessions with the user's unique        communications instructions    -   II. To logon, the client device may:        a) Connect to sever, e.g., using a local ISP access number;        b) Initiate communications to the computer;        c) Receive updated information with the local time, etc.; and        d) Send updated device information to the computer.    -   III. The client device may initiate a normal logoff once all        data to be sent from the device has been sent and acknowledged,        and no data has been received and validated from the computer        for, e.g., 15 seconds. To logoff, the client device        e) Sends a Logoff Request record to the computer        f) Receives a Logoff Acknowledgement record from the computer

Uploading Blood Pressure Monitoring (BPM) Readings

-   -   I. Once logged on the client device may start sending any        readings that have not yet been successfully uploaded to the        computer    -   II. One BPM Reading record may be sent in a single datagram from        the client device for each reading taken    -   III. Each valid BPM Reading record sent to the computer may be        acknowledged by the computer with a BPM Reading Acknowledged        record.    -   IV. If the BPM Reading record is already in the computer        database, no duplicate record will be recorded in the database,        but the computer may send a BPM Reading Acknowledgement record        to the client device.

Downloading Charts

-   -   I. The client device may send a chart request datagram to start        the chart downloading process. This may be done anytime after a        successful logon and readings transmission. The computer        acknowledges with a chart datagram, which includes the number of        charts to be downloaded. The device then accepts one chart page        datagram for each chart and acknowledges each one with a chart        acknowledged datagram. The process ends when the number of        charts expected is received and acknowledged    -   II. By default the computer may download all available (up        to 10) chart types unless the user has specified otherwise,        e.g., on the Contact Center's web site    -   III. The computer may generate a unique Chart ID for each chart        that may be stored on the client device as well for unique        identification    -   IV. The chart types may include        -   a) Systolic        -   b) Diastolic        -   c) Systolic & Diastolic        -   d) Heart Rate    -   V. The chart frequencies may be        -   e) Latest        -   f) Daily        -   g) Weekly        -   h) Monthly    -   VI. To provide a graphical representation, e.g., bars, on the        client device, the computer may supply a top left and bottom        right absolute screen co-ordinates for each bar. The areas        defined by the two extreme co-ordinates for a bar may be filled        in black on the display.    -   VII. The computer may also transmit the values of the chart        labels, such as values for Vertical Label 1 for the top label        and Vertical Label 5 for the bottom Label. Similarly, Horizontal        Label 1 may be transmitted for the left label and Horizontal        Label 2 for the right label.    -   VIII. The computer may also transmit the exact number of        characters to fill each cell, including blanks for positioning        properly within the cells.

Client Device Messages

-   -   I. Subjects, Professionals, Care Givers, and others may use a        form on the service provider web-site to enter and send messages        to the client devices    -   II. Two types of messages may be available for these users, a        short format and a long format. The short format may have fields        for From, Subject, 5 lines of text and two button labels for        user response, which will generally be displayed on a single        screen of the client device. The long format message will have        fields for From, Subject, and 5 lines of text for the first        screen on the device, and the second screen will show the        Subject and, e.g., six, multiple choice answers. For the long        format message the button labels may be standardized on the        device to permit moving to the next screen and selecting an        answer.    -   III. Once the user starts to review messages, all messages may        be required to be reviewed/answered in order.    -   IV. Messages may be flagged as Alerts, and these may cause the        device to beep when displayed to the device user until they are        answered.

Subjects may be screened for enrollment to obtain monitoring devices asfollows.

Screening Phases:—Patients Screened for One Week

-   -   a. Patients monitor themselves 2 times per day, for 8 days (once        in the morning between 6-10 AM and once in the evening between        6-10 PM)    -   b. Calculation may be based on minimum of 10 readings, and days        2-8 (day 1 should not be included in the calculation of overall        MEAN home BP)        -   i. If a measurement is missed, or if a day is missed, it            will not affect the calculation, all numbers should be            included regardless of time        -   ii. If there is a need to go back later to verify times,            some readings can be looked at twice for inclusion as all            are time and date stamped.

After Screening:

a. Patients under drug therapy with office blood pressure (“BP”)readings equal to or greater than 140/90 mmHg

-   -   i. If the MEAN home BP is under 135/85 mmHg (<130/80 mmHg for        diabetics and kidney disease), patients monitor themselves once        every 2 months for 8 days (similar to first week screening        method) until the end of the program, and followed up by the        nurse once a month. In patients with the low normal range blood        pressure (SYS BP less than 120 mmHg), treatment may be reduced        or discontinued if there is concern about adverse affects        related to hypotension (dizzy or light headed; ex. Pre-syncope).        If drug therapy is reduced, patients may be enrolled in the full        monitoring program.    -   ii. If the MEAN home BP is equal to or greater than 135/85 mmHg        (≧130/80 mmHg for diabetics and kidney disease): Hypertension is        confirmed and the patient is enrolled into the full monitoring        program.        b. Newly Diagnosed Patients with office BP readings equal to or        greater than 140/90 mmHg    -   i. If the MEAN home BP is under 135/85 mmHg (<130/80 mmHg for        diabetics and kidney disease): The patient is considered to have        a normal BP and may be monitored for 8 days (similar to first        week screening method) once every 2 months until end of the        program, and followed up with by the Nurse practitioner once a        month    -   ii. If the MEAN home BP is equal to or greater than 135/85 mmHg:        Hypertension is confirmed and the patient is enrolled into the        full monitoring program

Full Monitoring Program:

Patients confirmed with Hypertension may require an appointment withtheir Primary Care Physician for treatment

-   -   a. Patients do not need to have their home BP monitored until        after they are seen by their physician    -   b. After the appointment, the Nurse practitioner should ensure        that the details of the Primary Care Physician's treatment plan        are entered into the service provider website and that the        patient begins to monitor themselves MON WED FRI once between        6-10 AM and once between 6-10 PM each day (it does not matter if        a day is missed, or the wrong day is measured for the purposes        of the calculation of MEAN home BP)    -   c. Fixed Follow-up Plan        -   i. First 4 weeks of program, Nurse should contact patient            once a week for “check-in” (takes 2-4 weeks for drug to take            effect)        -   ii. Following the first 4 weeks of the program, Nurse should            contact the patient once every 2 weeks        -   iii. At the midway point of the program; a reevaluation of            the follow-up plan should take place to see if 2 weeks or 1            month will suffice for follow-up calls        -   iv. If one week's worth of readings is not taken, the Nurse            practitioner should call the patient        -   v. Depending on compelling indications, the nurse can follow            up with the patient more frequently if necessary    -   d. Every interaction by nurse practitioner with a patient or        Primary Care Physician should require data entry into the        website. The Nurse practitioner will have forms where she can        enter all information gathered directly into the system. This        information should include:        -   1. Latest office BP reading taken (if any)        -   2. Medication changes (type, dosage, frequency)        -   3. Clinically significant symptoms/side effects that may            affect management/treatment (this should be a free text            window)        -   4. Hospital visits        -   5. Hospital admissions        -   6. Emergency room visits        -   a. Other notes regarding program from patient perspective    -   e. The Nurse practitioner may monitor her schedule and readings        through a website    -   f. Monthly reports may be faxed to respective Primary Care        Physicians (if able to, including medication changes)    -   g. Nurse practitioner should ensure that patients do not become        alarmed about infrequent “out of range” measurements and should        ensure that patient “issues” are addressed appropriately

If there are any “Out of Range” measurements, the nurse practitionershould call or otherwise contact the patient and make sure anappointment is made with their Primary Care Physician immediately (ifthe Primary Care Physician is unavailable, the patient should be seen bya specialist in the CCC or in the emergency room). Such “Out of Range”measurements may include:

a. Reading over 180/110 mmHg

b. Reading under 100/60 mmHg

c. Increase or decrease of more than 40/20 mmHg

While the invention has been described and illustrated in connectionwith preferred embodiments, many variations and modifications as will beevident to those skilled in the art may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention, and the invention is thus notlimited to the precise details of methodology or construction set forthabove as such variations and modifications are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A heath care management system comprising: acomputer system including at least one database that storeshealth-related information of a plurality of persons having a pluralityof health-related issues, including health-related information of aplurality of persons arranged in at least one group in which each personin a respective group has a health-related issue in common; andassociated with each of the plurality of persons, a device which obtainshealth-related information from the respective persons, wherein a deviceof a particular type associated with a particular person relates to thehealth-related issue of that particular person, and wherein personswithin the same group are associated with the same type of device; eachdevice obtaining health-related information from each of the respectivepersons for transmission over a network to the computer system, and thecomputer system generating health-related information for transmissionover the network to each device; each device including a messagingcomponent for sending and receiving over a network or the network atleast text messages originated by another device of a person ororiginated by the computer system, wherein at least text messages amongdevices are only permitted between devices of the same type.